By Hope Yen - Associated Press WASHINGTON — Wading into the politically charged immigration debate, a prominent group of more than 5,000 colleges and universities is supporting legislation that would offer some unauthorized immigrants tuition aid and a path to citizenship.

The College Board, best known for its SAT college admission tests, released a report Tuesday that cites a need to open up in-state college tuition, financial aid and legal status to many unauthorized immigrants.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, the board is making its push after states in recent years have moved to bar unauthorized immigrants from paying in-state tuition and, in some cases, enrolling in their public colleges.

“This is a new area for us, but it was an easy call,â€